The Salvation Army Responds to Catastrophic Flooding

Relief effort expected to be one of largest in organization's history

ALEXANDRIA, Va. (Aug. 29) – The Salvation Army is responding to the catastrophic flooding in the Houston area and providing relief to first responders and survivors. Since Hurricane Harvey will likely impact more people than Hurricane Katrina, The Salvation Army is establishing multiple staging areas throughout Texas including San Antonio, Victoria, Arlington and Houston to coordinate relief efforts.

The Salvation Army’s national network of trained disaster staff and volunteers that has been deployed to Texas is providing food boxes, bottled water, cleanup kits and comfort kits. Staff and volunteers are also serving at emergency shelters and staffing emergency operations centers.

“Every team being deployed in Texas can provide food, hydration, and emotional and spiritual care to those impacted by this weather event,” said Lt. Col. Ronnie Raymer, Divisional Commander for The Salvation Army in Texas. “We’re uniquely positioned to provide support and relief to Houston and communities along the Gulf Coast.”

The Salvation Army has deployed 42 mobile feeding units that each can provide up to 1,500 meals per day, along with two field kitchens that each can serve up to 15,000 meals per day. As of Aug. 28, The Salvation Army has provided more than 5,000 meals, 5,500 drinks and 5,600 snacks.

“Donations from the generous public will help provide food, shelter and other valuable resources to Houstonians in need,” said Lt. Col. Ron Busroe, The Salvation Army’s National Community Relations and Development Secretary. “With public support, The Salvation Army will be here to help the thousands affected by Hurricane Harvey for as long as they’re in need.”

Response efforts to this hurricane and flooding are expected to be costly and last for years. The best way to help after a disaster is to make a financial donation. To contribute to The Salvation Army’s Hurricane Harvey disaster relief efforts, visit HelpSalvationArmy.org, call 1-800-SAL-ARMY, or text “STORM” to 51555.

About The Salvation Army

The Salvation Army, established in London in 1865, has been supporting those in need without discrimination for more than 135 years in the U.S. More than 25 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through a range of social services: food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless, and opportunities for underprivileged children. For every dollar donated to The Salvation Army, 82 cents is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide. The Salvation Army tracks the level of need across the country with the Human Needs Index (HumanNeedsIndex.org). For more information, go to SalvationArmyUSA.org or follow on Twitter @SalvationArmyUS.

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian Church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.